Code of Practice - Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected

Code of Practice

Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals

in Queensland

Nature Conservation Act 1992

Prepared by: Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations Branch, Department of Environment and Science

Approved in accordance with section 174A of the Nature Conservation Act 1992

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You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication.

For more information on this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en

Disclaimer

This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of

publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made

by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this

document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy.

If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service

(TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3170 5470.

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vision impairment; phone +61 7 3170 5470 or email <[email protected].gov.au>.

Acknowledgements

This code of practice has been prepared by the Department of Environment and Science in consultation with the

Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, RSPCA Queensland and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Human Rights compatibility

The Department of Environment and Science is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights. Under the

Human Rights Act 2019, the department has an obligation to act and make decisions in a way that is compatible with human

rights and, when making a decision, to give proper consideration to human rights. When acting or making a decision under

this code of practice, officers must comply with that obligation (refer to Comply with Human Rights Act).

August 2020

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Department of Environment and Science

Table of contents

1. Purpose of this code ............................................................................................................... 4

2. General information ................................................................................................................ 5

3. Principles underpinning this code .......................................................................................... 6

4. General provisions for the care of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals ............... 6

5. Restrictions on caring for specialist protected animals ....................................................... 8

6. Interpretations ......................................................................................................................... 9

7. Provision of veterinary care ................................................................................................... 9

8. Rescue and handling .............................................................................................................11

9. Transportation ........................................................................................................................12

10. Housing ...................................................................................................................................13

11. Food and water ...................................................................................................................... 15

12. Euthanasia ............................................................................................................................. 16

13. How to euthanase .................................................................................................................. 18

14. Release of rehabilitated protected animals ..........................................................................19

15. Release timing and site selection ......................................................................................... 20

16. Records .................................................................................................................................. 22

17. Wildlife rehabilitation organisations .....................................................................................22

18. Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 24

19 Appendix A: Minimum enclosure size .................................................................................. 25

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Department of Environment and Science

Purpose of this code

This code of practice (the code) has been prepared by the Department of Environment and Science

(DES) in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), RSPCA Queensland

(RSPCA Qld), the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (QWRC) and the wildlife carer community.

This code will ensure that the activities of all parties involved in the care and rehabilitation of native

animals in Queensland result in the best possible conservation and animal welfare outcomes for

rehabilitated animals and the wild populations they are returned to.

This code is made under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act), and in consideration of the Nature

Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 (the Animals Regulation), Animal Care and Protection Act

2001, Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 and Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

1.1

The purpose of this code is to provide information, recommendations, minimum standards and

guidelines to ensure that all parties involved in the care and rehabilitation of protected animals in

Queensland do so in an appropriate manner.

1.2

The code emphasises the responsibility of all persons and organisations involved in the care,

rehabilitation and release of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals to ensure that:

1.2.1

animal welfare meets acceptable standards

1.2.2

conservation benefits are maximised

1.2.3

adverse ecological outcomes are avoided

1.2.4

risks to human health and safety are minimised.

1.3

The code gives due regard to the many factors that determine what is appropriate in the

circumstances, including:

1.3.1

community values and expectations regarding the management and rehabilitation of sick,

injured or orphaned animals

1.3.2

the values and opinions of wildlife rehabilitators and others with expertise

1.3.3

the importance of minimising the suffering of sick, injured or orphaned animals, and in

particular the role of timely euthanasia in appropriate cases

1.3.4

the responsibility of DES to protect and conserve the environment, ecosystems and

wildlife

1.3.5

the risks to human health and safety associated with the rescue, care and rehabilitation of

protected animals in Queensland

1.3.6

the relevant legislation as stated in section 1 under ‘Purpose of this code’

1.3.7

the availability of resources, such as access to veterinary facilities or expertise.

1.4

There are other Acts and legislative instruments that may make provisions about, or affect certain

aspects of wildlife care and rehabilitation, such as local laws regarding the keeping of animals, or

laws about trespassing on private property. It is not the intent of this code to deal with all of these

provisions.

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General information

2.1

All native birds, mammals (except the dingo outside protected areas), reptiles and amphibians and,

some native fish and some invertebrates in Queensland are protected under the Nature Conservation

Act 1992.

2.2

DES is the agency responsible for the assessment and licensing of individuals and organisations for

the purposes of wildlife rehabilitation. Licensed individuals or entities are referred to herein as

‘permit holders’.

2.3

DAF is the agency responsible for administering the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

2.4

QWRC is the peak representative body for the wildlife rehabilitation community in Queensland. The

council’s focus is to ensure excellent welfare for native animals during and after rehabilitation to

achieve, complement and advance conservation benefits and outcomes.

2.5

This code applies to all individuals, organisations and members of organisations operating under a

rehabilitation permit.

2.6

A person who rescues a protected animal, but is not a licensed rehabilitator, must surrender it to a

licensed rehabilitator or conservation officer within 72 hours of taking the animal into care as stated

in section 56 (2) of the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.

2.7

A person or organisation engaging in wildlife rehabilitation must be licensed. It is the responsibility

of the permit holder to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code.

2.7.1

DES is responsible for administration of this code.

2.7.2

this code does not exempt a person or other entity from compliance with any Act,

regulation or other statutory instrument.

2.7.3

this code is current at the time of publication and may be subject to periodic review.

2.7.4

a wildlife rehabilitator may only rehabilitate an animal of a species for which they hold a

relevant permit. If the rehabilitator is a member of a rehabilitation organisation, they will

require the approval of the organisation to rehabilitate that particular species.

2.7.5

DES may approve the development and distribution of species-specific standards for

native wildlife rehabilitation. Meeting any such standards that may be in place is a

requirement in order to comply with the code.

2.7.6

to ensure compliance with local government laws, rehabilitators may also require local

government approval to conduct the activity at the specified location.

Note: All persons intending to become licensed, or become a member of an organisation that is

licensed, to care for sick, injured or orphaned protected animals should become familiar with

the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

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Principles underpinning this code

3.1

The fundamental principles underpinning this code that should guide wildlife rehabilitators at all

times in the conduct of their activities are:

3.1.1

Duty of care: under section 17 of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, a person in

charge of an animal during its rescue, care, rehabilitation or release has a statutory duty

of care to appropriately provide for the animal’s welfare.

3.1.2

Avoid harm: in rescuing, caring for, and returning native animals to the wild, there is a

risk of adverse animal welfare and ecological outcomes. Even well intentioned care or

treatments may prolong or worsen an animal’s suffering, and inappropriate release of

animals may have significant detrimental effects on local ecosystems and wildlife

communities. At all stages of the rehabilitation process the potential for adverse animal

welfare and ecological outcomes must be considered and avoided.

3.1.3

Avoid risks to human health and safety: in rescuing, caring for, and returning native

animals to the wild, there are generic, situation-specific and species-specific risks to

persons involved that must be considered and minimised.

Note: Anyone involved in the rescue, care and handling of wildlife should contact their

general practitioner or local immunisation provider for more information on

appropriate disease prevention measures including any recommended or required

vaccinations.

3.1.4

Relieve suffering: a main objective of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is to relieve

suffering in sick, injured or orphaned wildlife; it is not to protect and preserve life at all

costs. In this way, the objectives of wildlife rehabilitation are fundamentally different from

those of human medicine. The rehabilitation and release of wildlife to the wild is the

primary objective, but it must not be pursued to preserve the life of an animal at all costs

or to achieve broader conservation outcomes where the animal is subject to unjustifiable

and unreasonable suffering.

3.1.5

Fair, reasonable and appropriate measures: in deciding what is fair, reasonable and

appropriate, regard must be had to:

•

the environment and circumstances of the animal

•

the steps a reasonable person would reasonably be expected to have taken under

the circumstances.

3.2

These fundamental and guiding principles should be applied to all aspects of the rescue, care,

rehabilitation and release of rescued animals, and appropriate application of these principles will

assist wildlife rehabilitators and organisations in complying with the code.

General provisions for the care of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals

4.1

The broad objectives of the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals

are to:

4.1.1

relieve suffering in sick, injured or orphaned protected animals by providing appropriate

husbandry and care, pain relief, veterinary treatment when required, and timely

euthanasia in cases with a poor prognosis

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4.1.2

contribute to the conservation of nature by promptly returning suitably rehabilitated

animals to their native habitats.

4.2

Additional outcomes of the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals

include:

4.2.1

contribution to the body of knowledge on the ecology, conservation, management,

veterinary care, husbandry and behaviour of native animal species

4.2.2

contribution to the education of the general public, business and industry professions on

issues related to the conservation and welfare of native animals.

4.3

Meeting the ‘capacity to care’ concept:

4.3.1

The concept of ‘capacity to care’ relates to the capacity of a rehabilitator or rehabilitation

organisation to provide for the essential needs of rescued animals as well as have the

resources necessary to appropriately prepare wildlife for release back into the wild.

4.3.2

When a person’s or organisation’s capacity to care is exceeded, unacceptable standards

of animal care or welfare may result. This is likely to occur when the need for rescue and

rehabilitation services exceeds the ability of rehabilitators and organisations to provide

appropriate care. This is particularly so when major environmental or other events result

in significantly increased wildlife casualties.

4.3.3

Rehabilitators and rehabilitation organisations should be mindful of their respective

capacities to care, particularly when there is an influx of wildlife requiring care due to

major incidents like bushfire, significant weather events and other natural disasters.

4.3.4

When the capacity to care is exceeded and animal welfare standards are likely to be

compromised, there are three acceptable management options, which are, in order of

preference:

4.3.4.1

referral of animals to another licensed individual or organisation with a current

capacity to care for that species

4.3.4.2

increase the capacity to care by increasing or pooling resources

4.3.4.3

lower the euthanasia threshold in combination with early triage of newly rescued

wildlife and proper veterinary assessment and prognosis of animals in care.

4.3.5 Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisations should develop protocols and procedures

that clearly define appropriate actions and responses in the event of catastrophic events

or other circumstances in which the defined capacity to care may be exceeded.

For example: Policies and procedures relating to the establishment of good

communication, collaboration and pooling of resources between

organisations during major wildlife events.

4.3.6 The lowering of animal welfare standards such that they are not consistent with this code

is not an acceptable response to exceeding the capacity to care.

4.3.7 In circumstances that involve major or catastrophic events and where the capacity to care

is exceeded, lowering the threshold for euthanasia is a more appropriate response than

not rescuing animals in distress.

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Restrictions on caring for specialist protected animals

5.1

The species listed below may have requirements outside the normal capacity of most rehabilitators.

Additional requirements are placed upon rehabilitators who intend to keep these species to improve

the likelihood of their successful rehabilitation and return to the wild.

5.2

Permits may only be granted to persons assessed as having the appropriate skills and facilities to

house and care for the following wildlife:

5.2.1

Cassowary:

contact DES.

5.2.2

Echidna:

contact DES or a person who holds a permit that specifically provides for the

rehabilitation of this species.

5.2.3

Emu:

contact DES. This species may only be rehabilitated on rural-residential and rural land.

5.2.4

Koala:

contact DES or a person who holds a permit that specifically provides for the

rehabilitation of this species.

5.2.5

Raptors:

contact DES or a person who holds a permit that specifically provides for the

rehabilitation of the relevant species. Only carers who are affiliated with a Raptor

Association or those with a proven record and suitable facilities in raptor rehabilitation

may keep raptors.

5.2.6

Reptiles:

contact DES or a person who holds a permit that specifically provides for the

rehabilitation of the relevant species.

5.2.7

Marine turtles:

contact DES.

5.2.8

Platypus:

contact DES.

5.2.9

Flying-foxes and insectivorous bats:

all persons caring for flying-foxes and insectivorous bats must be vaccinated against

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) and must regularly consult their General Practitioner or

Public Health Unit to maintain up-to-date vaccinations.

Note: In certain, prescribed circumstances, the use of lethal measures (shooting) is

permitted for controlling flying-foxes damaging crops, in accordance with the ‘Code

of Practice – Ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection’.

Where this occurs, live, orphaned young may be given to a wildlife rehabilitator for

the purpose of rehabilitation or humanely euthanased.

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5.2.10

Seabirds:

contact DES or a person who holds a permit that specifically provides for the

rehabilitation of the relevant species.

Interpretations

6.1

Objectives

6.1.1

Objectives are the intended outcome(s) for each section of this code.

6.2

Standards

6.2.1

Standards describe the mandatory specific actions required to achieve acceptable levels

of animal welfare and successful wildlife rehabilitation. These are the minimum standards

that must be met. They can be identified in the text by the heading ‘Standards’ and the

use of the word ‘must’.

6.3

Guidelines

6.3.1

Guidelines describe agreed best practice based on scientific information, accumulated

experience and consultation. A guideline is usually a higher standard of care than

minimum standards, except where the standard is best practice. Guidelines are identified

in the text by the heading ‘Guidelines’ and the use of the word ‘should’.

Provision of veterinary care

7.1

Objective

7.1.1

To rapidly assess the veterinary requirements of sick, injured or orphaned protected

animals and provide an appropriate level of relief from distress, pain and suffering as well

as appropriate veterinary care.

7.2

Standards

7.2.1

A sick or injured animal must receive a standard of care appropriate for its injuries or

illness as soon as possible.

7.2.2

An animal that is affected by a critical (see section 18 for definition) injury or illness must

be provided with appropriate veterinary care. This includes the provision of appropriate

and ongoing pain relief and monitoring by a suitably experienced and qualified person; or

prompt referral to a person or organisation able to provide that care; or euthanasia as

soon as possible using an approved method. For an approved euthanasia method refer to

section 12 of this code.

7.2.3

An animal that is affected by a serious (see section 18 for definition) injury or illness, or

that is likely to be suffering from moderate pain, must be provided with appropriate pain

relief and veterinary care as soon as is practicable.

7.2.4

An animal that is affected by a mild (see section 18 for definition) injury or illness, or that

is likely to be suffering only mild discomfort or pain, must be provided with appropriate

veterinary care as soon as is practicable.

7.2.5

A person must not hold a critically or seriously ill or injured animal without providing

appropriate veterinary care, when such veterinary care is reasonably accessible.

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7.2.6

Unless authority has first been received from a conservation officer, a wildlife rehabilitator

must not request a veterinarian to perform the following surgical procedures:

7.2.6.1

amputation of a limb, or part of a limb, other than a single digit

7.2.6.2

removal of an eye

7.2.6.3

amputation of more than one third of the tail of a mammal, bird or reptile, other

than a skink, gecko or legless lizard

7.2.6.4

perform a procedure that results in the animal being unable to reproduce

(sterilisation)

7.2.6.5

any other procedure that might reasonably be expected to reduce an animal’s

fitness or ability to survive upon release back into the wild.

7.2.7 Notwithstanding section 7.2.6, a surgical procedure must not be withheld if gaining

authority from a conservation officer will result in an unacceptable delay that may

contribute to unnecessary suffering.

7.2.8 Wildlife rehabilitators must take all reasonable steps to avoid or minimise stress on

animals in care and must not deliberately or negligently expose an animal to

unnecessary stress.

7.3 Guidelines

7.3.1

A wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife rehabilitation organisation should establish a working

relationship with a veterinarian, veterinary practice or facility able to provide veterinary

care for rescued native animals.

Note: For the purposes of this code an animal’s injuries or illness may be described as:

Critical (see section 18 for definition);

For example: an animal that has been struck by a car and has a serious head

injury.

Serious (see section 18 for definition);

For example: an animal with a closed fracture of a long bone, but no other

apparent injuries, and that is bright, alert and responsive; a koala

with severe cystitis.

Mild (see section 18 for definition);

For example: an animal that has sustained superficial cuts or bruising as a

result of inter-species or intra-species fighting or an orphaned

marsupial suffering from mild dehydration.

7.3.2

The determination of what is ‘appropriate veterinary care’ should take into account the

circumstances and availability of veterinary facilities and expertise, and the nature and

severity of the injuries and/or illness of the animal.

For example: ‘appropriate veterinary care’ has not been provided to a critically or

seriously injured or ill animal if it has received only a single treatment,

without ongoing veterinary care and/or monitoring.

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Note: a person must not hold a seriously injured or ill animal overnight without

appropriate veterinary treatment, when access to 24-hour veterinary care is

available.

7.3.3

The most appropriate facility in the circumstances should be used for the provision of

veterinary care to seriously sick or injured protected animals.

For example: when specialised wildlife veterinary facilities are readily available and

accessible. These should be used in preference to a private veterinary

surgeon.

Rescue and handling

8.1

Objective

8.1.1

To eliminate additional stress and further injury to wildlife during rescue and in care and

to maximise the safety of rescuers and the general public.

8.2

Guidelines

8.2.1

A wildlife rehabilitator should not conduct a rescue when doing so would put themselves

or other persons at risk of serious injury.

8.2.2

Wildlife rehabilitators should ensure that they utilise correct personal protective

equipment (PPE) relevant to the species that they are rescuing.

For example: eye protection when handling waterbirds, gloves when handling bats,

towels/blankets for handling most species, and covered footwear should be

worn at all times. For rescues in bushland or long grass, rescuers should

also wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers.

8.2.3

Prior to undertaking a wildlife rescue the rescuer should assess the associated risks and

put in place measures to ensure the safety of themselves, others and the wildlife to be

rescued.

8.2.4

Wildlife rescues should be carried out in a way that avoids significant disturbance to

unaffected wildlife that is likely to cause injury or abandonment of young.

8.2.5

The rescue and handling of wildlife should avoid causing unnecessary pain, suffering or

exacerbation of injuries.

8.2.6

The rescue and handling of wildlife should be done in a manner that will not cause or

spread disease.

8.2.7

Only the appropriate equipment and techniques for the species and size of the animal

concerned should be used. Equipment and techniques that should not be used include:

8.2.7.1

the noosing of a koala

8.2.7.2

the use of a projectile, other than a net-gun or tranquiliser dart by an

appropriately trained and licensed person

8.2.7.3

the use of unpadded snake tongs

8.2.7.4

the use of a leg-hold trap with unpadded jaws or an unattended snare or

automatically activated snare

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8.2.7.5

the felling of a tree containing an animal, when the tree has a diameter at chest

height (DBH) exceeding 5 centimetres (cm), or when injury to the animal being

rescued or any other animal is a likely consequence, or when the tree is in a

protected area.

8.2.8 Where the difficulty of a wildlife rescue is compounded by the presence of other persons

or dangers such as heavy traffic, a rescuer should opt for the assistance of local

authorities (i.e. local council or police) to mitigate these factors.

8.2.9 Where the rescue of animals in warm or hot ambient conditions (>24°C) cannot be

avoided, or when the animal has been subject to exertion or physical restraint, rescuers

should monitor the body temperature of the animal and/or seek appropriate veterinary

assistance.

8.2.10 Rescuers should monitor healthy nestling and fledgling birds for abandonment rather than

attempt to bring the bird into care. Nestlings can be returned to the nest or placed in an

artificial nest. Fledglings can be returned to a tree where they were found or in some

cases a tree nearby, if determined to be free of injuries or disease by a suitably qualified

or experienced person.

8.2.11 Where possible, handling and restraint should be minimised and chemical restraint

methods such as sedation and anaesthesia used whenever possible by those

appropriately qualified and/or licensed to do so.

Note: Sedatives and anaesthetics must be administered by a veterinary surgeon or

authorised person.

8.2.12 The use of padded snake tongs should be limited to situations in which there is no other

alternative, and in which there is significant risk to human life. Snake tongs, even when

padded, may cause significant internal injury, particularly to gravid (pregnant) snakes.

Such injuries may not be immediately apparent and may result in the death of the snake

weeks or months later.

8.2.13 Only persons who are vaccinated against rabies should handle any bat species.

Transportation

9.1

Objective

9.1.1

To transport wildlife in such a way that minimises further stress and injury and prevents

escape. This section applies to the movement of all sick, injured or orphaned wildlife (e.g.

from the point of rescue to a veterinary surgery and between rehabilitation facilities and to

the release site).

9.2

Standards

9.2.1

Transport must not cause unnecessary pain or distress to the animal.

9.2.2

Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife must only be transported when and where necessary.

9.2.3

Transport containers must be appropriate for the species (i.e. the size, strength and

behaviour of the wildlife being moved).

9.2.4

Transport containers must be designed and maintained in such a way as to:

9.2.4.1

prevent injury

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9.2.4.2

prevent escape

9.2.4.3

prevent rolling or tipping during transit

9.2.4.4

prevent damage to plumage

9.2.4.5

be hygienic

9.2.4.6

minimise stress

9.2.4.7

be suitably ventilated.

9.2.5 Transport containers that hold species that are dangerous, venomous or capable of

transmitting potentially fatal zoonoses must be clearly marked with a warning label such

as ‘Caution—venomous snake’ or ‘Caution—live bat’, and must be locked and secured.

9.2.6 Wildlife must not be transported in a vehicle’s boot that is separate from the main cabin

without ventilation.

9.2.7 Non-compatible species, such as predator and prey combinations must not be

transported in a manner that allows physical or visual contact.

9.2.8 Transport containers for wildlife must:

9.2.8.1

be secured to prevent movement during transport causing stress or injury to the

animal

9.2.8.2

provide protection from direct sunlight

9.2.8.3

provide protection from wind and rain.

9.3 Guidelines

9.3.1

Transport containers that are not of a fully enclosed design should be covered to

minimise light, visual stimulation and stress.

9.3.2

The use of medication during transport should be considered and approved by a

veterinary surgeon.

9.3.3

The provision of water and food for adult animals is generally not required for short trips

(2–3 hours). Food and water should be considered when transporting dependent young

and adult animals during longer trips.

9.3.4

Wildlife should not be transported in the back of an uncovered utility vehicle unless the

transport container is securely fastened.

9.3.5

Transport containers should be maintained within an appropriate temperature range for

the species. Unfurred joeys and bird and monotreme hatchlings should be within the 31–

34°C range. 25–27°C is appropriate in most other cases.

9.3.6

An experienced rehabilitator or veterinary surgeon should be consulted if it is uncertain

what an appropriate temperature range is for a specialised species.

10.

Housing

10.1

Objective

10.1.1

To ensure that wildlife undergoing rehabilitation are housed in a way that prevents injury

or escape, minimises stress, maintains safe levels of hygiene and allows natural

behaviours.

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10.2

Standards

10.2.1

Enclosures must be constructed and maintained in such a way to prevent injury and

escape and exclude predators and pests.

10.2.2

Enclosures must be appropriate for the species, and the types of injuries, stage of

development and/or stage of rehabilitation of the animal being housed.

10.2.3

Enclosures must maintain habitat elements appropriate to the species and the condition

of the animal (e.g. perching, nest boxes, resting forks, wading pools, suitable substrate).

10.2.4

Enclosures housing wildlife not subject to critical care must allow for the display of natural

behaviour and support rehabilitation for survival in the wild.

10.2.5

All enclosures must meet the dimensions (relevant to the species in care) described in

Appendix A of the code. These dimensions are regarded as the minimum standards that

must be met.

10.2.6

All housing, including enclosures, nest boxes, bedding, substrate, perching, food and

water bowls must be kept in a clean and hygienic condition.

10.2.7

Cleaning and disinfection regimes must be appropriate for the species and excreta must

not be allowed to accumulate excessively in any enclosure, substrate or bedding.

10.2.8

Species that are dangerous to humans, venomous or those known to carry life

threatening zoonoses must be securely contained to prevent unauthorised human contact

and exposure to domestic animals.

10.2.9

Animals showing signs of infection or disease must be quarantined from other wildlife in

care. Animals subject to quarantine must be housed in such a way as to prevent

transmission of disease or infection to other animals.

10.2.10

Wildlife in care must not be exposed to other native or domestic animals where the

exposure is likely to result in unnecessary familiarisation or stress.

For example: native wildlife and a domestic dog, cat or recognised predator sharing the

same space or having contact.

10.2.11

Wildlife in care must not be exposed to odours or noises that are likely to result in

unnecessary familiarisation, stress or illness. Use of certain aerosols and insect

repellents can be toxic to animals in care and should be avoided.

For example: cigarette smoke in an enclosed area or loud music.

10.2.12

Incompatible species or individuals must not be housed in the same enclosure, or within

sight of each other.

10.3

Guidelines

10.3.1

Enclosures should be designed to allow easy cleaning, easy access and minimise

handling of wildlife.

10.3.2

Faeces and uneaten food should be removed daily (more frequently if needed) and

disposed of in such a way as to limit access by other animals and the potential spread of

disease.

10.3.3

Food and water containers should be cleaned with a suitable (non-toxic to wildlife)

disinfectant daily.

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10.3.4

Household and animal-related cleaning implements and products should be kept

separate to avoid cross contamination.

10.3.5

Wildlife husbandry items should be cleaned in areas separate to those used to wash

domestic or household items.

10.3.6

Rehabilitators should avoid mixed-species housing whenever possible and, when mixed-

species housing is necessary (such as in pre-release bird aviaries), ensure that only

compatible species are housed together. Any new additions to an existing aviary, colony

or mob should be monitored closely for the first few days to ensure their safety and the

safety of other individuals.

10.3.7

Animals that naturally form social groups in the wild should be housed with animals of an

appropriate age and gender of the same species where possible. When animals are

housed collectively, they should be individually identifiable.

10.3.8

Potential stressors that could have a detrimental health effect on an animal should be

identified and removed from an enclosure. Ongoing or prolonged stress can result in

reduced growth rates, weight loss, abnormal behaviour (e.g. self-mutilation), inhibited

recovery and increased mortalities. More subtle and psychological signs of stress could

be repetitive stress-related behaviour (stereotypical behaviour) such as pacing.

Note: If carers are in any doubt of an animal’s capacity to deal with the unavoidable

stresses of coming into care, or there are unknown causes for unusual behaviour,

they should consult experienced carers for that species. Unmanaged issues

relating to ongoing or prolonged stress while in care will compound the original

health problems, making a full recovery less likely. Similarly, communication and

cooperation between wildlife rehabilitators and rehabilitation organisations are

encouraged to maximise the use of available appropriate housing and facilitate the

housing of social species into groups at an appropriate stage and/or age prior to

release, where possible.

11.

Food and water

11.1

Objective

11.1.1

To ensure that sick, injured or orphaned wildlife receive a diet that supports their healthy

recovery and development, and their effective rehabilitation and release.

11.2

Standards

11.2.1

Rehabilitators must be aware of the appropriate food and water requirements for the

particular species in the wild and in care. Advice must be sought from a person

experienced in rehabilitating a species where a rehabilitator is unfamiliar with its care.

11.2.2

Food and water of suitable quality and quantity for the species must be provided at an

appropriate frequency and must not be accessible to other wild or domestic animals.

11.2.3

The feeding of live non-native vertebrate animals to an animal under rehabilitation must

not occur unless the feeding of live food is essential for the rehabilitated animal’s survival.

11.2.4

Live protected animals must not be used for the purpose of feeding an animal under

rehabilitation. It is permissible to collect a dead least concern animal (e.g. fresh road kill),

other than a special native animal (echidna, koala, platypus, wombat), if the dead animal

is taken to feed the bird of prey kept under a rehabilitation permit.

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11.2.5

Food quantities must be adjusted to reflect an animal’s stage of development and to

maintain a weight that is within an appropriate range. Guidance on this can be obtained

from wildlife rehabilitation organisations and facilities.

11.2.6

Prior to release food must be offered in a way that encourages natural feeding behaviour

such as foraging.

11.2.7

An animal that is unable or unwilling to feed sufficiently (other than nursing young) must

be assessed by a veterinarian or a suitably experienced person to diagnose the cause of

the inability to feed.

11.2.8

Prior to undertaking the force feeding of an animal, a rehabilitator must have received

training from a suitably experienced person (i.e. experienced wildlife rehabilitator or

veterinarian) for that particular species.

11.2.9

Food and water for wildlife must not be allowed to become contaminated by wild or

domestic animals.

11.2.10

Food must be provided in a manner that minimises food contamination and spoilage and

the transfer of disease.

11.3

Guidelines

11.3.1

To the greatest extent possible, captive diets should be similar to the natural diet for the

species to minimise diet-related health issues, to teach food recognition for release back

into the wild and promote normal digestive function.

11.3.2

Animals should be weighed at least weekly to determine overall health and to mitigate

weight loss through dietary changes.

11.3.3

Vitamin and mineral deficiency is a disorder associated with prolonged captivity in a wide

range of species, and should be anticipated and prevented by provision of a proper diet

with vitamin and mineral supplementation. Care should be taken when adding

supplements to an animal’s diet as incorrect quantity can also cause dietary problems.

11.3.4

Whenever practicable, prior to release, animals should have foods included in their diet

that would be available to them in the area where they are to be released.

11.3.5

To avoid contamination and disease transfer, wildlife and human food preparation areas

and implements should be kept separate.

12.

Euthanasia

12.1

Objective

12.1.1

To support the timely euthanasia of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife through identifying

when euthanasia is appropriate.

Note: Euthanasia is a large part of wildlife rehabilitation and an important welfare tool. It

should not be seen as a failure on the rehabilitator’s behalf, nor should it be

avoided at all costs.

12.2

Standards

12.2.1

All wildlife rehabilitators, whether individually licensed or operating under a group licence,

must be able to provide for the euthanasia of wildlife when required.

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12.2.2

Wildlife must be euthanased without exception when:

12.2.2.1

it is necessary to alleviate significant pain or suffering when such pain and

suffering is not able to be managed by a veterinarian

12.2.2.2

further treatment is not practical or recovery is not expected such that the

animal can be successfully rehabilitated to the wild

12.2.2.3

resources are not available to provide appropriate care or an acceptable

quality of life throughout the likely rehabilitation period.

12.2.3 Animals with a poor prognosis for survival and that are suffering must be euthanased rather

than left to die from the injury or illness. Failure to take appropriate steps to arrange the

prompt euthanasia of these animals is a breach of the Animal Care and Protection Act

2001.

12.2.4 Unless DES has granted permission for the animal to enter the Queensland Species

Management Plan (QSMP) or unless otherwise advised by the DES Director Wildlife

Management, an animal must be euthanased when:

12.2.4.1

an orphaned animal is not viable or is unlikely to be rehabilitated

12.2.4.2

there is no suitable release location (refer to sections 15.2.4 and 15.2.6 regarding

release/alternative release locations)

12.2.4.3

the ability to reproduce is lost due to an injury, disease or surgical procedure

12.2.4.4

the ability to move freely or normally (i.e. run, climb, crawl, hop, fly or swim) is

permanently impaired due to, for example, a missing or impaired limb, wing, foot

or tail, such that it will significantly impair the animal’s ability to survive in the wild

12.2.4.5

the ability to sense environment (i.e. see, hear, smell, taste or feel) is

permanently impaired due to a missing or injured organ such as an eye, ear or

nose, such that it will significantly impair the animal’s ability to survive in the wild

12.2.4.6

the ability to catch, find or handle food is permanently impaired

12.2.4.7

its advanced age renders it unlikely to survive in the wild.

12.2.5 The carcasses of euthanased animals must be disposed of in accordance with the local

regulations. Carcasses of animals euthanased using anaesthesia and/or veterinary

euthanasia solutions may present a significant risk to scavengers, including native animals,

and must be disposed of by deep burial or incineration.

12.2.6 Carcasses of animals euthanased by way of barbiturate overdose must not be fed to other

animals.

12.3 Guidelines

12.3.1

Wildlife should be euthanased when suffering from injuries or illness that require a long

and complicated rehabilitation process and when such wildlife provide little contribution to

the conservation of the species.

12.3.2

Non-releasable wildlife should be euthanased (as per section 12) or referred for

placement through the QSMP. For further information on non-releasable wildlife or the

QSMP, contact your local DES office.

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13.

How to euthanase

13.1

Objective

13.1.1

To support the timely euthanasia of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife by identifying who

may perform euthanasia and what methods may be applied.

13.2

Standards

13.2.1

Methods of euthanasia, including methods of restraint for euthanasia, must not cause

significant pain, suffering or distress.

13.2.2

Death must be confirmed prior to the disposal of the carcass.

13.2.3

Euthanasia by barbiturate overdose must only be performed by a veterinary surgeon or a

competent and appropriately trained person authorised by the chief executive of

Queensland Health to possess and use restricted drugs for veterinary purposes.

13.2.4

If euthanasia via intracardiac or intrathoracic (as opposed to intravenous) barbiturate

overdose is performed then the animal must be fully anaesthetised prior to performing

the procedure.

13.2.5

The following euthanasia methods must not be used on wildlife:

13.2.5.1

suffocating via drowning, strangulation or chest compression

13.2.5.2

freezing

13.2.5.3

burning

13.2.5.4

poisoning with household products

13.2.5.5

air embolism

132.5.6

exsanguination or decapitation without stunning

13.2.5.7

electrocution or microwave irradiation

13.2.5.8

poisoning with any domestic or agricultural pest control agent, chemical or

noxious agent not currently approved for the veterinary euthanasia of domestic

animals.

13.3

Guidelines

13.3.1

Animals should be euthanased by barbiturate overdose while under general anaesthesia

administered by a veterinary surgeon or an appropriately trained person authorised by the

chief executive of Queensland Health to possess and use restricted drugs for veterinary

purposes.

13.3.2

When it is not practicable to perform euthanasia using barbiturate overdose a method

appropriate for the species that causes minimal pain and suffering should be used. This

may include the following methods:

13.3.2.1

Large animals shot with a rifle of a calibre sufficient to achieve instantaneous

insensibility followed by the rapid death of the animal without first regaining

sensation or consciousness. In effect, the technique must destroy the brain.

Note: The use of a firearm for the euthanasia of wildlife must comply with the

Weapons Act 1990.

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13.3.2.2

Cranial trauma sufficient to cause instantaneous insensibility followed by the

rapid death of the animal without first regaining sensation or consciousness. In

effect, the technique must destroy the brain

Note: The brain of reptiles is very small in comparison with their head size, and

well protected by the bones and soft tissues of the head. Cranial trauma

techniques used on reptiles must cause instantaneous and complete

destruction of the brain.

14.

Release of rehabilitated protected animals

14.1

Objective

14.1.1

To ensure that only wildlife that possess an appropriate level of physical, cognitive and

behavioural fitness are released to the wild.

14.2

Standards

14.2.1

Rehabilitated wildlife must be assessed as physically and behaviourally fit by a wildlife

veterinarian or a rehabilitator experienced in that species prior to its release.

14.2.2

An animal must only be deemed physically fit for release if:

14.2.2.1

it has fully recovered from any pre-existing injury

14.2.2.2

reasonable steps have been taken to determine the animal is free of disease

14.2.2.3

its weight and body condition are within the normal range for the animal’s age,

sex and species

14.2.2.4

it has adapted to prevailing climatic conditions

14.2.2.5

it is not known to be sterile/unable to reproduce.

14.2.3 The following process must be followed regarding amphibians:

14.2.3.1

an amphibian must only be released in suitable habitat as close as practicable

to the same location from which it was originally taken to minimise the potential

spread of parasites and disease and impacts on genetic integrity.

14.2.3.2

it is not permissible to release an amphibian at a location that is only similar to

or near the original location, or at a location that is only assumed to be the

original location.

14.2.3.3

if the original location of the amphibian is not known, the animal may be

suitable to enter into the QSMP. Contact your local DES office to arrange for

the animal to be assessed.

14.2.3.4

if the amphibian is not suitable to enter the QSMP, it must be euthanased.

14.2.4 An animal must only be deemed behaviourally fit for release if it:

14.2.4.1

can recognise, catch and consume naturally available food

14.2.4.2

has not been allowed to associate with domestic animals and predator species

during the rehabilitation period so as to ensure that its natural instinct to

recognise and avoid predators, including domestic animals, remains intact

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14.2.4.3

is not attracted to humans or to sights, sounds or smells that are specific to

captivity (i.e. it is not imprinted or humanised)

14.2.4.4

can navigate effectively through its natural environment

14.2.4.5

can recognise and interact appropriately with members of the same species.

14.3 Guidelines

14.3.1 Species that are required to construct shelters for survival (e.g. dig burrows or construct

dreys) should exhibit this behaviour prior to release.

15.

Release timing and site selection

15.1

Objective

15.1.1

To ensure that the release timing and site chosen for rehabilitated wildlife maximises the

chances of survival in the wild and has minimal negative impact on wild populations.

15.2

Standards

15.2.1

Wildlife must not be released in weather conditions that are likely to cause significant

hardship or reduced chances of survival.

15.2.2

To allow wildlife to immediately investigate its environment and avoid predation, release

must take place during the species’ normal period of activity (e.g. diurnal, nocturnal,

crepuscular).

15.2.3

Migratory species must be released one month prior to their typical departure period or at a

time when other members of the species are present if the location is within a migratory

path. Due to time in care, the animal may need to be kept in care until the following

migratory season.

15.2.4

If the location where the wildlife was found is known and is suitable for the release then the

wildlife must be released there. A suitable environment for release is one that:

15.2.4.1

contains appropriate habitat, shelter, water and food resources

15.2.4.2

is free of immediate hazards or risks (i.e. not a roadside)

15.2.4.3

is known not to be subject to imminent land-clearing or development.

15.2.5 The release of koalas to the wild must be conducted in accordance with the relevant

provisions outlined in the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2017.

15.2.6 If the original site of capture is not appropriate for release (refer to section 15.2.4), then the

animal must be released as close to the original site as possible. The rehabilitator needs to

be aware of that particular species natural home range in order to provide the best

alternative release location.

15.2.7 Wildlife must not be released into a national park unless the animal originated from the

national park and prior approval has been obtained from DES.

15.2.8 If a release is unsuccessful, despite repeated attempts to rehabilitate the animal for release

to the wild, the animal must be euthanased (see section 12). If the animal is potentially

suitable to enter into QSMP, the local DES office must be contacted to arrange for the

animal to be assessed.

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15.2.9 Progeny of wildlife held on a rehabilitation permit must be released to the wild when self-

sufficient. The progeny should be released at the location from where the mother

originated, consistent with section 15.2.4 of the code.

15.2.10 Tagging, banding, or other marking, including microchip or PIT implanting, may only be

performed by a person who is authorised by DES to tag wildlife or by a registered veterinary

surgeon, and must only be performed as part of an DES approved program.

15.3 Guidelines

15.3.1

An animal should be released as soon as it is deemed ready and the conditions are

suitable.

15.3.2

Environmental conditions should be suitable for the release, taking into account the weather

and time of year which will help facilitate the animal’s reintroduction to the wild and its

survival. For example:

15.3.2.1

reptiles should be released during the warmer months such as spring and

summer

15.3.2.2

juvenile animals should be released during natural dispersal periods

15.3.2.3

insectivorous species should be released during periods of insect abundance.

15.3.3

The release of rehabilitated animals into habitat other than that from which they originated,

should be carefully considered as it increases the risk of undesirable ecological impacts,

such as:

15.3.3.1

spread of diseases and parasites into native wildlife populations

15.3.3.2

genetic contamination of genetically distinct wildlife populations, or other

deleterious genetic effects

15.3.3.3

impacts on stable social structures of wildlife populations residing in recipient

habitat.

15.3.4

Gradual or ‘soft’ release is preferred for most species whenever practicable. Abrupt or

‘hard’ release is not advised for animals subject to long term care, orphans or those animals

requiring social groups.

15.3.5

If social species are to be managed and released as a group, then all individuals within the

group should originate from the same or neighbouring location, or be within the range of

normal movement from their place of origin based on the species capacity to travel.

Example: A kangaroo can be released within 100 kilometres of its origin, based on its (the

species) capacity to travel long distances.

15.3.6

Regarding migratory species that have been in care for extended periods, the rehabilitator

should ensure that an appropriate level of physical fitness is achieved prior to release,

allowing the animal enough time to establish itself in the wild in advance of the forthcoming

migration.

15.3.7

Inexperienced rehabilitators should contact an experienced rehabilitator, rehabilitation

group or DES for advice on ‘soft’ release of animals with a close social structure such as

bats (including flying-foxes), gliders and macropods.

15.3.8

Highly social species, excepting those individuals in critical care, should be held in

appropriate groups as early as possible to enable a social unit to develop before release.

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16.

Records

16.1

Objective

16.1.1

To maintain comprehensive records of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife admissions,

disposals and management while in care. These records can be used to track and review

individual case histories and identify trends and represent a useful resource for

rehabilitators, regulators, veterinarians, educators and research organisations.

16.2

Standards

16.2.1

A register must be kept by each wildlife rehabilitator for all protected animals rescued or

cared for including:

16.2.1.1

date of admission or rescue

16.2.1.2

identifying number or name

16.2.1.3

reason for rescue

16.2.1.4

species

16.2.1.5

approximate age or age class (neonate, juvenile, sub-adult, adult, aged)

16.2.1.6

sex (M, F, Unknown)

16.2.1.7

exact location of rescue

16.2.1.8

brief description of health or injuries

16.2.1.9

treatments

16.2.1.10

relevant observations (behaviour, diet, general progress)

16.2.1.11

regular weights

16.2.1.12

final outcome (released, died, euthanased, permanent care, transferred to

another person/organisation)

16.2.1.13

date of final outcome

16.2.1.14

if transferred to another person or organisation, to whom.

16.2.2

If an animal is transferred to another rehabilitator, copies of relevant records must

accompany the animal.

16.2.3

All records must be maintained in a form that can be readily examined, analysed and

clearly understood, and be made available to a conservation officer upon request.

16.3 Guidelines

16.3.1

Copies or backups of records should be kept to avoid information being lost.

16.3.2

To gauge the effectiveness of various rehabilitation and release techniques, post-release

sightings of known rehabilitated wildlife should be recorded and kept.

17.

Wildlife rehabilitation organisations

17.1

Objective

17.1.1

To identify the roles and responsibilities of wildlife rehabilitation organisations when

operating under a group rehabilitation permit.

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17.2

Standards

17.2.1

An organisation conducting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation activities in Queensland must

be a legal entity (incorporated association or Australian company) and hold a valid

rehabilitation permit issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 by DES.

17.2.2

A licensed wildlife rehabilitation organisation must ensure that:

17.2.2.1

all members engaged in wildlife rehabilitation activities comply with this code

17.2.2.2

the organisation and its members comply with the conditions of their rehabilitation

permit

17.2.2.3

the organisation provides a current copy of the rehabilitation permit to members

stating the period of membership and what species the member is endorsed to

care for, together with the total number of animals that the member is entitled to

hold, under the group rehabilitation permit

17.2.2.4

the organisation provides new and inexperienced members with appropriate and

ongoing training and mentoring for species that the individual rehabilitator wishes

to care for

17.2.2.5

membership lists are updated and forwarded annually within 20 business days at

the close of each financial year to Permissions Management, DES,

[email protected] or GPO Box 2454, Brisbane QLD 4001

17.2.2.6

a process is established for handling alleged breaches of this code, or non-

compliance with other relevant rules of the organisation

17.2.2.7

a procedure is established for responding to complaints against members either

from external or internal parties (all new members must be given copies of this

procedure)

17.2.2.8

all members are given timely, clear and detailed directions by the organisation

concerning the activities that the member may carry out under the rehabilitation

permit.

17.2.3 The organisation must advise DES in writing within 20 business days of any person who is

no longer a member and that they are no longer permitted to operate under the permit.

17.2.4 If the organisation becomes aware that a member operating under the permit does not

comply with this code, the organisation must:

17.2.4.1

identify the actions or steps needed to be taken by the member to comply with

this code and time frames associated, and

17.2.4.2

take responsibility for the individuals’ actions under the group permit, and either

17.2.4.3

limit the authority of the member to operate under the permit, or

17.2.4.4

instruct the person in writing that they are no longer permitted to operate under

the permit.

17.3 Guidelines

17.3.1

Organisations should inform prospective new members of relevant matters such as the

financial costs and time commitment required by the individual.

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17.3.2

All wildlife rehabilitators operating under a group wildlife permit should conduct themselves

according to that group’s membership requirements to the extent the law permits.

17.3.3

Wildlife rehabilitation organisations should endeavour to familiarise themselves with

recently updated information about diseases in wildlife. This can be done by contacting the

Australian Wildlife Health Network, the Wildlife Disease Association or Biosecurity

Queensland.

Note: Wildlife rehabilitation organisations are permitted to undertake fundraising activities to

support member training and assist with the acquisition of resources such as

husbandry items, veterinary support and food.

18.

Definitions

Act—the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Animal—any member of the animal kingdom (other than humans) as defined in the Act.

Animals Regulation—the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020.

Conservation officer—a person who is appointed as such by the responsible Minister under the Nature

Conservation Act 1992.

Crepuscular—pertaining to early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Critical—when the animal is affected by: major traumatic injuries, difficult breathing, major bleeding, serious

head injury, or disembowelment; or is showing any signs of severe pain or discomfort; or has obvious injuries

or illness that might cause the death of the animal; or is rescued or found in circumstances which might

reasonably be expected to have caused such injuries or illness, even if they are not apparent (for example:

dog attack); or the animal is moribund.

Critical care—a level of care provided to wildlife suffering from life threatening injuries or illness. Generally,

wildlife in critical care will require short-term housing that reduces activity and facilitates easy observation,

feeding, treatment and rehydration as required.

Diurnal—pertaining to day time.

Euthanasia—to achieve humane destruction of an animal. The method must achieve instant insensibility

followed by rapid death of the animal without it first regaining sensation or consciousness.

Experienced rehabilitator/person—a person with a minimum of two (2) years, ongoing demonstrated wildlife

rehabilitation experience specific to that species or a similar species of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

Exsanguination—death caused through loss of blood.

Hard release—where an animal is released directly to the wild without further support, feeding or

environmental conditioning. It should only be used in the case of short-term rehabilitation and is not advised

for animals in long-term care, orphans or social animals.

Mild—when the animal’s injuries or illness appear to cause little discomfort, pain or loss of function, and are

not life-threatening or likely to become life-threatening without immediate treatment.

Nocturnal—pertaining to the night.

Permit—a rehabilitation permit issued under the Act.

Protected wildlife—an animal that is prescribed as such in the Act.

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Qualified person—a person who has completed a training course approved by the chief executive of

Queensland Health and is issued with an authority under the provisions of the Health (Drugs and Poisons)

Regulation 1996 or a person registered by the Veterinary Surgeons Board as a Veterinary Surgeon.

Quarantine—where an animal is kept isolated for a period to ensure it does not transmit or contract disease

or parasites. Rehabilitators should take precautions when entering and leaving such isolated areas, utilising

disinfectant footbaths, overalls etc. The same practice should apply to all husbandry equipment used for

managing an animal in quarantine.

QSMP—the Queensland Species Management Plan. This is the process for placing zoologically required

species or specimens into zoo collections for conservation/education purposes in lieu of being released

successfully.

QWRC—the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

Rehabilitation organisation—a corporation or association holding a valid rehabilitation permit whose

members engage in the rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

Rehabilitator—a person who is engaged in the rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and is

operating under a valid rehabilitation permit either as an individual or as member of a rehabilitation

organisation.

Serious—when the animal is affected by serious injuries or illness that might reasonably be expected to

cause moderate pain, but are not immediately life-threatening; and the animal is not showing obvious signs of

distress or pain, or significantly reduced mental activity.

Soft release—where an animal is released with the provision of supplementary food, shelter and water at the

site of release, preferably with a period of confinement during which time the animal(s) become familiar with

the surrounding habitat, wildlife population and supplementary resources.

Veterinary surgeon—a person registered as a veterinary surgeon under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936.

Veterinary treatment—the conduct and application of veterinary surgery and veterinary medicine when

applied to sick, injured or orphaned animals by a veterinary surgeon.

Wildlife—a protected animal as defined in the Act.

Zoonosis (plural zoonoses)—any infectious disease that can be transmitted from both wild and domestic

animals to humans.

Appendix A: Minimum enclosure size

19.1

Objective

19.1.1

To identify appropriate enclosure sizes for rehabilitation purposes for each animal group.

19.2

Standards

19.2.1

Critical care housing must be housing that is designed to reduce an animal’s level of

physical activity for a short period of time and that facilitates frequent monitoring, treatment,

feeding or rehydration. Once an animal no longer requires critical care it must be

transitioned to an ‘intermediate care’ or ‘pre-release’ enclosure.

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19.2.2

Intermediate care housing must be housing that is designed to allow sufficient space for

some physical activity while enabling the animal to be readily caught for monitoring or

treatment.

19.2.3

Pre-release housing must be housing that allows an animal to regain better physical

condition, display natural behaviour and acclimatise to normal weather conditions. While in

pre-release housing, interactions between wildlife and humans must be greatly reduced.

The pre-release enclosure sizes listed in the tables below are regarded as the minimum

standards that must be applied. Rehabilitators are encouraged to exceed these sizes if

possible.

19.2.4

The maximum number of individuals listed in column four of the table below can be applied

to both intermediate care and pre-release housing sizes. Critical care housing sizes are for

individuals. For each additional animal the floor area of all enclosures must be increased by

50%. However this does not apply to clutch mates or siblings of the same age where

individual territorial boundaries are minimal.

19.2.5

While in intermediate care and pre-release housing a waterbird must be provided with a

pond that contains soft substrate and meets the area specified for the animal in the table

below. This area must be increased by 50% for each additional waterbird. However this

does not apply to clutch mates or siblings of the same age where individual territorial

boundaries are minimal.

19.2.6

The requirement for pond size to be a percentage of the total floor area does not apply if

the pond size exceeds 100 square metres (i.e. 10m x 10m).

Note: The tables below are standards which must be followed however where enclosure

dimensions fall short by a small amount e.g. 0.23 instead of 0.25 leeway may be

granted.

These standards are in place as a minimum requirement.

For the purpose of achieving best practice for protected animals in care, rehabilitators

should seek to exceed the below dimensions whenever possible for better animal

welfare and management.

All rehabilitators should take care to identify individual animals that may require

additional space or demonstrate the need for specific requirements to achieve a

positive conservation outcome. When the capacity to care for such individual animals

is limited, rehabilitators should seek advice from experienced individuals or

rehabilitation organisations and make arrangements that are more appropriate (e.g.

alternative placement of such individual animals).

Code of Practice

Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals in Queensland

Page 27 of 29 •220820

Department of Environment and Science

Birds

Type of bird

(examples)

Critical care

L x W x H (m)

Intermediate

care

L x W x H

(m)

Pre-

release

L x W x H

(m)

Maximum

number of

individuals

Pond size

(as % of

total floor

area)

Small passerines (finches and

wrens)

0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2

1 x 0.7 x 0.7

1.5 x 1.3 x

N/A

Medium passerines (parrots

and pigeons)

0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4

1.5 x 1 x 1

2.9 x 1.5 x

1.8

N/A

Large passerines (parrots,

pigeons, magpies and

cockatoos)

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

1.2 x 0.8 x

0.8

4x 2x 2

N/A

Small waterbirds (ducks and

grebes)

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

2 x 1.5 x 1

4 x 2 x 2

50%

Large waterbirds (swans and

herons)

1 x 1 x 1

2 x 2 x 1.2

6 x 3 x 2

50%

Small aquatic/sea birds (gulls,

cormorants and terns)

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

1 x 0.6 x 0.6

4 x 2 x 2

50%

Large aquatic/sea birds

(albatrosses and pelicans)

1 x 1 x 1

4 x 2.5 x 1.5

6 x 3 x 2

50%

Small raptors (kestrels and

hobbies)

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

2 x 2 x 2

5 x 3 x 3

N/A

Medium and Large raptors

(kites, large falcons,

goshawks, eagles and

buzzards)

0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8

4 x 3 x 3

15 x 4 x 4

N/A

Emu chicks and adult brush-

turkeys

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.7

2 x 2 x 2

5 x 3 x 2

N/A

Emus (other than chicks) and

cassowaries

1.5x1 x 1

3 x 3 x 2

10 x 10 x 2

N/A

Code of Practice

Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals in Queensland

Page 28 of 29 •220820

Department of Environment and Science

Reptiles

Type of reptile

(examples)

Critical care

L x W x H (m)

Intermediate

care and

pre- release

L x W x H (m)

Maximum

number of

individuals

Pond size (as

% of total

floor area)

Geckos and small skinks (garden

skinks)

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1

0.6 x 0.6 x 0.6

N/A

Large skinks

(blue-tongue lizards)

0.6 x 0.4 x 0.2

1 x 0.4 x 0.2

N/A

Small dragons

(bearded dragons)

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.2

0.8 x 0.3 x 0.3

N/A

Monitors and large dragons

(lace monitors)

1.2 x 1 x 0.6

4 x 3 x 2

N/A

Small venomous snakes

(death adders) up to 80cm

0.5 x 0.3 x 0.2

0.7 x 0.6 x 0.5

N/A

Large venomous snakes

(eastern brown snakes) over

80cm

0.6 x 0.4 x 0.4

1.20 x 1 x 0.6

N/A

Small pythons

(spotted pythons)

0.4 x 0.3 x 0.2

1 x 0.6 x 0.5

N/A

Large pythons

(carpet pythons)

1.2 x 0.5 x 0.5

2 x1.5 x 1.5

N/A

Small freshwater turtles

(eastern snake-necked turtles)

up to 15cm shell

0.6 x 0.4 x 0.4

1.8 x 0.6 x 0.4

50%

Large freshwater turtles

(broad-shelled turtles) over 15cm

shell

1 x 0.5 x 0.4

2 x 1.2 x 0.9

50%

Code of Practice

Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals in Queensland

Page 29 of 29 •220820

Department of Environment and Science

Mammals

Type of mammal

(examples)

Critical care

L x W x H (m)

Intermediate

care

L x W x H (m)

Pre-release

L x W x H (m)

Maximum

number of

individuals

Small bats

(microbats)

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.3

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

5 x 3 x 2

Large bats

(megabats)

0.8 x 0.6 x 0.6

1 x 1 x 1 (for

single animals)

10 x 4 x 2

Small dasyurids and rodents

(antechinus and mice)

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.2

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.3

1 x 1 x 0.3

Large dasyurids and rodents

(quolls, phascogales and water

rats)

0.5 x 0.3 x 0.5

1 x 1 x 1

3 x 2 x 2

Bandicoots, potoroos and

bettongs

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

1 x 1 x 1

4 x 3 x 2

Small macropods

(pademelons)

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.5

3 x 2 x 1.5

10x 10 x 2

Medium macropods

(wallabies and rock-wallabies )

1.5 x 0.8 x 1

4 x 3 x 1.5

20 x 20 x 2

Large macropods

(grey kangaroos)

1.5 x 0.7 x 1.5

5 x 5 x 2

40 x 20 x 2

Small possums and gliders

(pygmy-possums and

feathertail gliders)

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.5

0.6 x 0.3 x 1

2 x 1 x 2

Large possums

(ringtail and brushtail

possums)

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.8

1 x 1 x 1

3 x 2 x 2

Large gliders

(greater gliders and sugar

gilders)

0.4 x 0.3 x 1

1 x 1 x 1

6 x 3 x 3

Koalas

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.7

2 x 1 x 2

4 x 3 x 3

Echidnas

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5

1.5 x 1.5 x 1

5 x 4 x 1

Note: Persons and organisations are reminded to refer to Section 10—Housing standards and guidelines in the code to

ensure wildlife undergoing rehabilitation is housed in a way that prevents injury or escape, minimises stress, maintains safe

levels of hygiene and allows natural behaviours.